The recommended budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year, which begins July 1, is $2.7 million more than the present budget of $52.7. It would represents a 4.9 percent increase in the tax rate.

For a homeowner whose house is assessed at $200,000 and who now pays $5,296 in real estate taxes, the proposed budget would mean a tax increase of $258 a year.

The recommended school budget is $34.4 million, which is a 5.1 percent increase over the current $32.7 million school budget.

The municipal budget is $16.7 million, an 8.8 percent rise over the present $15.3 million municipal spending plan for town services. But debt service, which is carried on the municipal side of the budget, went down by 10.6 percent, or about $462,000.

Comments made by residents at the public hearing will be considered by the finance board, which may then make changes in the proposed budget that goes to a town meeting in early May. A townwide budget referendum will be held in mid May.